Usually, when I’m behind the camera, my role is to put clients at ease. I’m the one cracking little jokes, giving gentle direction, and doing whatever it takes to get those natural, authentic smiles. After all, nobody wants a stiff or awkward headshot session – they want portraits that show them as approachable, confident, and professional.
But every so often, a client comes along who completely flips the script.
The Day the Tables Turned
At a recent headshot session, I had the pleasure of photographing a wonderful lady who was simply hilarious. From the moment she walked in, she had a quick quip or a witty line ready. Instead of me telling the jokes, it was her making me laugh!
I found myself giggling behind the camera as she came out with one-liners, cheeky expressions, and light-hearted banter. And do you know what? It was magic. The whole session flowed effortlessly, and her personality shone through in every frame.
Why Laughter Works in Headshot Photography
There’s a reason I often use humour during shoots: real laughter is unbeatable. You can spot the difference between a “say cheese” smile and one that comes from genuine joy. This headshot session reminded me of the power of laughter to break down nerves and create truly authentic images.
When a client brings that energy to a session, it’s a beautiful collaboration. The camera captures not just what they look like, but who they are.
The Results
The end result was a collection of headshots that radiated warmth, confidence, and fun. And while my usual job is to guide clients into that space, this time I got to simply ride the wave of her humour and capture the sparkle she brought into the studio.
What This Means for You
Whether you’re naturally funny, a little reserved, or even nervous about being in front of the camera, my job is to create an environment where you feel comfortable and authentic. Sometimes that means me telling the jokes, sometimes it means you surprise me with yours – but either way, it means we’ll get photos you love.
Because the best headshots aren’t just polished and professional – they’re authentically you.